While complications do happen, this does not have to be a fear-filled process.
A little knowledge helps to ease most fears.
First, lets give a little exposition about what the background check system is.
Background checks for firearm purchases became the law of the land with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and on November 1st, 1998 Individual states were given the option to use the national system for this or establish their own.
In my state, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation began TICS, or the TBI Instant Checks System.
The Tennessee State Legislature mandated that the system must meet or exceed the requirements established by The Brady Act.
In addition to the check against the TBI's records, the TICS unit runs a check against the NICS (National Instant Check System) on both the prospective purchaser and the firearm they intend to purchase.
This assures that the person is legally able to purchase a firearm and that there is nothing negative in the history of the firearm itself, in the case of previously owned firearms.
The details of running the check are fairly simple.
The FFL (Federal Firearm Licensee or gun dealer) collects ten dollars, all of which is later remitted to the state for the check.
The prospective buyer enters their identity information into the TICS web site, and the dealer confirms it is you by way of your state issued photo ID.
Usually in pretty short order, the result will come back.
Sometimes, however, the check can take longer.